Heartwarming childhood winter memories we’ll never forget

Discover the comforting meals, treats and the stories behind them that continue to inspire our kitchens year after year.

Winter has a way of bringing cherished childhood memories back to life, especially those centred around comforting food and family traditions. We asked our team to share the winter dishes and seasonal treats that still warm their hearts today. These nostalgic childhood winter food memories celebrate the flavours, traditions, and moments that make the colder months so special.

Dylan Appolis

Winter always takes me back to a childhood memory of my grandmother’s “bolletjies cake,” a simple sponge cake with icing and colourful sprinkles. Its name came from the little sugar “bolletjies” scattered over the icing, which were always my favourite part. It was more than a treat; it was a tradition filled with love, warmth and anticipation as I waited for that first slice. Even though she has passed away, the smell and taste of that cake still bring her presence back into my life. It remains a symbol of her care and the comfort of small, meaningful family traditions.

Malika Johnson

My most nostalgic winter memory is my grandmother’s frikkadels served with rice and tomato smoortjie, a Cape-style tomato and onion relish. She always made sure to save some for me, which made the meal feel extra special. No one has ever been able to replicate it because it wasn’t just about the recipe, but the love behind it. Even today, it remains a comforting dish that brings back a deep sense of warmth and connection.

Yasser Abdul

My mom made many comforting soups, but the one that always takes me back is her chicken and mushroom soup. It was the kind of dish that made winter feel special, and even now I can still remember how good it tasted. Whenever my siblings and I heard it was on the menu, we couldn’t wait for dinner. It was more than just a meal; it was something that brought us together and made the cold days feel a little warmer.

Aaliyah Omar

My favourite winter memory is my mom’s spicy chicken curry served with either rice or roti. The aroma of the spices would fill the house long before dinner was ready, making it impossible to wait patiently. When it was served with roti, it was perfectly flaky and soft, ideal for soaking up every bit of the rich curry sauce. The gentle heat of the curry would warm you up from the inside out, making even the coldest winter days feel comforting and complete.

Lethabo Mncwanga

One of my favourite winter memories are enjoying fresh vetkoek and mince straight from the fryer. The Pick n Pay near my childhood home made the vetkoek fresh to order and picking them up on cold winter days was always something to look forward to. They were perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and filled with warm, savoury mince that made every bite so satisfying. That Pick n Pay is now in another province, so I don’t get to visit often, but whenever I’m in the area, I always stop by for the nostalgia and because they’re still every bit as delicious as I remember.